Premiership: United 'in discussion' with Blackburn over Cole

Manchester United today revealed they have received an approach and are in ‘‘discussion’’ with Blackburn Rovers over the possible transfer of England striker Andy Cole.

United have denied the 30-year-old is on their transfer list. But chief executive Peter Kenyon confirmed they are currently talking to Rovers, whose manager Graeme Souness has admitted he would be interested in signing the striker if he became available.

Kenyon said: ‘‘We have had initial approaches from several clubs in England and held initial discussions with Blackburn Rovers.’’

He hinted United and Rovers still have much to do before agreeing a deal when he added: ‘‘These kind of things can either go off the boil or they can accelerate dramatically. We don’t know how this will progress.’’

Cole has repeatedly voiced his frustration this season at finding himself behind Ruud van Nistelrooy in the queue for a place in United’s front line and was again left out against Everton on Boxing Day.

Earlier today Souness said: ‘‘Anyone would be interested in a player like Andy Cole, and if he’s available that’s something we would consider.’’

Cole insists he wants to stay at Old Trafford but needs regular first-team football if he is to stay in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s World Cup plans.

His agent Paul Stretford said: ‘‘There have been discussions with Manchester United and there have been a number of discussions with a number of other interested clubs.

‘‘However, there is no definitive position or offer as yet.

‘‘But the next phone call could change everything.’’